News

Actions

Baby squirrels rescued after nests destroyed from tornadoes

Posted at 10:42 PM, Aug 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-23 22:56:09-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The damage from Saturday’s tornadoes impacted humans and animals alike. Since trees are full of newborn squirrels this time of year, dozens of them lost their homes Saturday from the powerful winds.

A group of concerned people found some of them and brought them to the Wildlife Rehab Center, where volunteers worked to nurse them back to health.

“It’s sad they get separated from their mom," said Kelly Spruit, a squirrel rehabilitator. "But we do the best we can to get them healthy and back out in the wild.”

“The best thing I do is open up their door and watch them get to be free," Spruit said.

Thirteen newborns are now in the care of the center. They are fed formula every four hours and will eventually be switched to a diet of nuts.

But baby squirrels were not the only animals rescued from the storm. An exotic bird, possibly a parakeet or parrot, was brought in. The volunteers are hoping to find its owner and return the bird to its home.

The Wildlife Rehab Center is a non-profit, open 7 days a week with close to 30 volunteers.

“We do one animal at a time. That’s what keeps us going, is the ones we save," said Peg Markle, the executive director of Wildlife Rehab Center.

Donations are always welcome. If you’d like to help they are in need of food, supplies, and money to keep things running smoothly. You can visit them at their websiteor call them at 616-361-6109.